verb
capsize
KAP-syze/ˈkæpsaɪz/
To overturn in water or cause a boat to do so.
The dinghy capsizes, exposing its underside.
Etymology
This nautical word has an obscure origin. A proposed connection with Spanish capuzar, “to sink by the head,” would link overturning to a vessel going headfirst into the water, but the derivation is uncertain.
In context
It caused the ship to capsize and water came through those gunports and uh it sank very quickly.
More examples
- The overloaded boat began to capsize.
- The crew escaped after the vessel capsized.
- Shifting cargo risked capsizing the small craft.
Forms
capsize · capsizes · capsized · capsizing
Similar words
- sink
- Sink means go below the surface; capsize means overturn and need not imply sinking.
- keel over
- Keel over can describe many things falling sideways; capsize specifically concerns overturning vessels.